Business Licenses

This web page is to confirm that business certificates (licenses) are
no longer required for businesses in the unincorporated portions of
the County of San Diego. The Board of Supervisors deleted this
requirement in August 1998.

Communities in the unincorporated portions of San Diego County
include, but are not limited to:

While a business certificate (license) is not required from the
County, businesses must comply with rules and regulations affecting
businesses. For information regarding applicable rules, regulations,
and permits, please visit the State of California Business Portal CalGold.

Requirements for Incorporated Cities Please be advised that incorporated cities may require
a business license when conducting business within city
limits. Applicants are encouraged to contact the respective
city for rules and regulations governing their business
license practices.

Carlsbad The City of Carlsbad requires all businesses who wish
to commence, carry on, or engage in any business, either
permanently or temporarily, within the corporate limits of
Carlsbad to have a valid, unexpired license.

Chula Vista A business license is required in the City of Chula Vista
by any person who transacts, engages in or carries on any
business within the corporate limits of the city.

Del
MarThe City of Del Mar requires all
businesses conducting “transactions and carrying on of business
within the city” to obtain an annual business license.
Home-based businesses and those that operate through a post
office box are also required to obtain a business license.

El CajonA business license
is required of anyone doing business in the City of El Cajon.
This includes those who work out of their home, and businesses
from outside the City of El Cajon that perform services and/or
sales at the customer's place of business or residence in El
Cajon.

EncinitasThe City of
Encinitas uses a Registry Program in lieu of a Business License
Program. The registry is a flat-fee based program, intended
neither to impose any taxation on the business community nor to
collect any fees other than necessary to cover the
administration costs of the program.

Escondido All businesses operating in the City of Escondido are
required to have a business license, including businesses that
operate from home.

La
MesaMaintaining your business license: Per
City of La Mesa Municipal Code 6.04.050, it is the owner's
responsibility to maintain the business license account at all
times. The license is valid for 12 month increments and is due
for renewal at the end of the 12 months.

Lemon
GroveAll persons operating or doing business
within the city limits of Lemon Grove are required to have a
business license per Municipal Code.

National CityA Business
License is required by anyone who wishes to transact or
conduct business within the boundaries of National City.

OceansideAll businesses
operating in the City of Oceanside (including home-based
businesses) are required to have a business license.

PowayEvery company/person doing business based in a
commercial building in the City of Poway must obtain a business
certificate.

San
DiegoAll businesses operating in the City of
San Diego are required to obtain a Business Tax Certificate.
This includes home-based Businesses.

San
MarcosAny person conducting business within
the city must have a valid business license issued by the City
of San Marcos.

SanteeAll businesses
operating in the City of Santee are required to have a
business license.

Solana BeachAll businesses
with a physical address or doing business in Solana Beach are
required to obtain a business license certificate issued by the
City of Solana Beach.

VistaAnyone doing business
in the City of Vista must have a business license.